I’ve been reading about hostels for years and for whatever reason, missed the boat on the hostel experience while backpacking through Europe in my 20s. I found budget accommodation elsewhere, in cheap hotels or B&Bs.

The idea of sharing a dorm was not something I was comfortable with, especially with a bunch of people I didn’t know. Yet, I was always fascinated with the concept because of my budget-travel mindset.

Now I’m older, I’m a little more wiser. A little more experienced with life and people. And, I’m more prone to research a little deeper on alternative options. I mean really, how much different is dorm accommodation than camping? When you think about it, the concepts are pretty much the same.

After hearing about the Melbourne YHA Metro from a number of sources, I thought it would add a different element to our girly getaway to Melbourne. After all, our travel mantra is “Try Something Different”.

Everything I read about the Melbourne YHA Metro was positive: clean, convenient, inexpensive. It offered all the things we like when we travel: free Wifi, cooking facilities, convenience to all we’d like to see…and private bathrooms.

When we travelled to Melbourne Natalie was a minor, so we were required by law in Australia stay in a private room. Worked for me, because while I was still okay with the idea of a hostel, I still couldn’t get my head about sharing a room. Luckily hostels now offer private rooms, some even with private bathrooms, which is what we lucked out with at the Melbourne YHA Metro.

I booked the room easily on the YHA Australia website. It was very straightforward and while it prompted me to join the YHA for a discounted price, I wanted to test the theory and stay in a hostel first, before committing to a membership (although I will do so for the upcoming RTW Adventure)

I knew that there was another YHA hostel closer to the action in Melbourne, but the YHA Metro was the one I had read recommendations for, so I went with that one. It was super easy to find and out of the hustle and bustle. Bonus!

After showing ID, we were given our room key. Our room was on the ground floor and my mind immediately went to noise factor. It was on the same floor as the kitchen, reception, lounge and café. I was concerned but didn’t express that concern. I didn’t know if the noise would carry, how rowdy people got at night etc…

I needn’t have worried as there was a sound proof door between those areas and our room, which was also tucked in at the end of a hallway, at the opposite end of all the happening stuff.

Even so, the place was dead quiet after 10pm.

All we needed was a clean bathroom and a warm place to sleep with clean linens. Our room was basic but had everything we needed. It almost reminded me of a convent in how simple and utilitarian it is.

I was surprised that we had heating in our room. I don’t know why. I guess I wasn’t expecting it for as basic a stay as this. Luckily we had it though because winter in Melbourne can be cold! It provided a comfortable heat (not oppressive as many hotel rooms can quickly become) and was quick to warm the room – which was great after wandering the city for hours. I was equally surprised to find not only a TV/DVD player (you can borrow movies from reception and watch them in your room), but also tea and coffee making facilities. This place was great!

WiFi was also available and free in the public areas.

Yes, I am a girl that needs little and is happy with basic extras like these. We had plenty of room, although when the bags were out and being sorted through, it got a little tight, but that’s normal in any hotel I think.

The communal kitchen was large and accommodated a number of folks in the various stages of cooking and cleaning up at the same time. The fridge space was plentiful and none of which were full, and with a roll of stickers available so people could label their food, convenient.

When not in the mood to cook, the YHA Metro offered a small café that offered basic fare at reasonable prices. We ordered a small pizza along with a garden salad, totaling around $12, which we shared between the two of us. It was enough to sate us happily and with very little effort.

One of the perks of the YHA Metro was the top floor. It was a clear retreat for those needing some peace and quiet, especially since the lounge was warm and provided scattered bean bags to hang out in. Outside was a rooftop terrace with 360 degree city views which I am sure is a popular place in warmer weather.

Parking is also available (at $7 a day, pre booked), as are laundry facilities, neither of which we needed although both would be a wonderful bonus for people travelling through and/or travelling longer term.

What surprised me most of all about this the YHA Metro was the sense of respect amongst travellers. I did not feel uncomfortable or out of place while we were there. Even as we hung out in the dining room one night, young and older travellers alike came and went. Some stopped and talked to others. Others just came, made their dinner and left. Groups came and huddled together before heading out for the evening. Families, both with young ones as well as others with teens, came together to eat after all pitching in with both dinner preparations and clean up.

It made me realise we were all there for the same reason: we just wanted a cheaper alternative for accommodation, while still having the conveniences we appreciated as we travelled, whether we were travelling for a week or a decade.

As travelers, we are all the same.

I will stay at a YHA again. I will eventually get a membership when I know I will use it to it’s full benefit.

Until then, I will simply say this: I highly recommend the Melbourne YHA Metro. It is great for anyone looking for a cheaper place to stay, yet still have the city conveniences at your fingertips.

PLEASE NOTE: I have not been paid to write this post, nor is it sponsored. This is a true recommendation.

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About the author

Tara Marlow

Tara Marlow is the founder/writer/photographer/creative genius behind www.TravelFarEnough.com.
She's ditched the desk, emptied the nest and now she's embarking on a new adventure to find herself in the world, inspiring others, like herself, to do the same. She's now travelling the world full time.
Since March 2017, she has completed a 10-month road trip through Australia; Spent 5 weeks solo road tripping through New Zealand; She drove solo from L.A. to Chicago via Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Santa Fe and Texas; She has spent time on the south coast of Iceland; She's explored various parts of the U.K.; She walked almost 800km across Spain, walking the Camino de Santiago; 3 weeks were spent discovering Japan; And now she's someone in the world, planning the next adventure (and capturing her breath, most likely!).
You can find Travel Far Enough on the web, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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It’s great you finally stayed in a hostel, Tara. And you definitely chose well. I used to collect passengers there as well as other hostels and the staff were always so good. Yeah to hostels!

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Hey guys! Tara here.

I've ditched the (corporate) desk, emptied the nest and now I'm on a Worldwide Trek.

Since leaving Australia in early 2018, I've road tripped from the South Island to the North Island of New Zealand. Driven from San Francisco to L.A., over to Texas then up to Chicago. I've been to Iceland and the U.K. I've walked almost 800 km across Spain on the Camino de Santiago. I've spent time in Japan, returned to Australia briefly for a few housesits, then headed back to the U.S. and on to Canada (first time) for 2.5 months for more adventures.... And there's more wanders and more adventures planned...

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